KENNEDY SPACE CENTER: Bangladesh became the 57th country to have a satellite in space on May 11, 2018 with the launch of Bangabandhu-1. The satellite will reduce the country’s dependence on foreign satellite operators. The satellite will provide benefits to the weather department, defense sectors and will provide television and telecommunication services to rural areas in Bangladesh. Plans include telemedicine and e-learning applications.Bangabandhu-1 begins its journey to orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifting off from LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: Bill Jelen / We Report SpaceShortly after the launch, SpaceX played a recorded message from Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheiky Hasina mentioning that the satellite would help Bangladesh bridge the digital divide. Members of the Bangladeshi media contingent swelled with pride during the message from their prime minister and one exclaimed, “This is a very big day for my county.” A small round of applause broke out in the press site.Falcon 9 reaches trans-sonic speeds during the launch of Bangladesh’s first satellite. Photo credit: Michael Seeley / We Report SpaceIt also will allow Bangladesh to sell satellite connectivity to other countries. Instead of paying $14 Million annually to buy bandwidth, Bangladesh can sell bandwidth ...